Louisiana Downs Joins Tracks Banning Oklahoma Shippers
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Photo: Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges Jr.
Racing at Louisiana Downs
Due to the cases of Equine Herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) in Oklahoma City, Harrah's Louisiana Downs will not allow horses from Remington Park or Will Rogers Downs to access its grounds. This decision was made Nov. 21 and will be in effect until further notice.
As widely reported, cases of EHV-1 were confirmed at Remington Park beginning Nov. 12. Currently there is no live racing at Harrah's Louisiana Downs, but the Bossier City racetrack serves as a training center for horsemen in between race meets. This was introduced in November, 2018 following the closure of the Evangeline Training Center.
"In order to protect our current horse population, we felt it was necessary to issue this policy," said Eric Halstrom, Harrah's Louisiana Downs vice president of operations. "Should horsemen have any question regarding this change in policy those inquiries should be directed to Louisiana Downs' director of racing, David Heitzmann, or stall superintendent, Natalie Ardoin."
The 2020 Harrah's Louisiana Downs Quarter Horse meet will commence on Saturday, January 4.
Currently, the racetrack is open for training six days a week with full amenities including a clocker, outrider and ambulance service. Security in the stable area is provided 24 hours a day, seven days each week. Located in the Bossier City-Shreveport metroplex, Harrah's Louisiana Downs is located in convenient proximity for shipping to Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana; Fair Grounds in New Orleans and the upcoming live season at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas.